Gru (Young)
min082 · Minions / Despicable Me
Minions: The Rise of Gru · 2021 context: Released as part of the 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' wave, though the film was delayed to 2022. It reflects LEGO's modern high-detail aesthetic for child-height characters.
Figure ID
min082
Theme
Minions / Despicable Me
Year Released
2021 context: Released as part of the 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' wave, though the film was delayed to 2022. It reflects LEGO's modern high-detail aesthetic for child-height characters.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited promotional item, it only appears in one specific set which has since been retired in several regions.
Head
Light flesh tone with a smirk and upward-facing eyebrows. Features a black, swept-back short hair piece. Dual-sided printing with a surprised expression on the reverse.
Torso
Dark blue jacket with a printed grey and black striped scarf around the neck. Features a single black button and a light blue stripe representing a shirt hem at the waist.
Legs
Dark blue short legs (standard 2x2 footprint, non-bending). These represent Gru's child stature in the prequel film.
Accessories
Typically comes with a rocket or technical gadget in its home set, though the figure itself is the main accessory to the build.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic dark blue palette with accents of grey, black, and light blue. The scarf provides a nautical or winter-aesthetic contrast.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on a dark blue base. The scarf detail wraps slightly around the neckline of the mold. The alignment of the waist stripe is a key quality check point.
Variants
This is the 'Young' version. An adult version exists (min152) featuring long legs and a differently styled scarf/head mold.
Condition Notes
The dark blue plastic shows scratches and 'play wear' more easily than lighter colors. Check for 'neck cracks' on the torso and hair rub on the back of the head piece.
Estimated Value
New: $5.00 - $8.00; Used: $3.00 - $5.00. Value remains stable due to the popularity of the Minions franchise.
Price (New)
Originally included in set 75549 'Unstoppable Bike Chase' which retailed for $19.99 USD.
Compatible Sets
75549 Unstoppable Bike Chase (2021).
Character Background
Felonius Gru as a 12-year-old growing up in the 1970s. This version appears in the prequel film detailing how he met the Minions and began his journey to become a supervillain.
Design Notes
LEGO chose to use the standard 'short legs' mold rather than the 'medium' bendable legs to emphasize his childhood. The scarf is a direct nod to his signature adult look.
Similar Minifigures
Victor 'Vector' Perkins, Adult Gru (min152), and various Minion figures like Kevin, Stuart, and Bob from the same wave.
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a essential for completionists of the Minions theme, but since the theme is aimed at younger builders, collector demand is lower than Star Wars or Marvel.
History
First appearance in 2021. This was the debut wave for the Minions license under the LEGO Group, following their successful collaboration with Illumination.
Interesting Facts
The set this figure appeared in was released over a year before the movie actually hit theaters due to pandemic-related film delays.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside his 'Unstoppable Bike' or in a row documenting the evolution of Gru next to the 2024 Despicable Me 4 adult version.
Modification Potential
The scarf torso is excellent for custom 'winter' or 'civilian' city minifigures. The hair piece is a versatile 'generic boy' hair mold used in City and Friends themes.
Overall Assessment
A faithful recreation of the character. While simple, the printing is crisp and the scarf is iconic. A 'Must-Buy' for fans of the Despicable Me franchise, but a 'Pass' for high-end investors.